“Hello Again” is a song by the American rock band The Cars, released in 1984 as part of their fifth studio album, Heartbeat City. The song is noted for its catchy, synth-driven sound and the innovative music video that accompanied its release. “Hello Again” was written by Ric Ocasek, the lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Cars. The album Heartbeat City was produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, a renowned producer known for his work with artists such as Def Leppard and AC/DC. Lange’s production style brought a polished, radio-friendly sound to the album, which helped to modernize the band’s sound for the mid-1980s.
Musically, “Hello Again” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, prominent synthesizers, and the blend of rock and new wave elements that were a signature of The Cars’ style. The song features catchy guitar riffs, a driving beat, and Ric Ocasek’s distinctive vocal delivery. The production incorporates electronic effects and layered vocals, giving the track a futuristic feel that was in line with the sound of the 1980s. The lyrics of “Hello Again” are somewhat abstract and open to interpretation, but they convey themes of longing and the complexities of modern relationships. The repetitive chorus, “Hello, hello again,” suggests a cyclical pattern or the repeated attempts to reconnect or rekindle a relationship.
“Hello Again” was released on October 15, 1984 as the fourth single from their fifth stuido album Heartbeat City. It achieved moderate success on the charts, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s upbeat and catchy nature made it a popular track on radio and in dance clubs, contributing to the overall success of the album.
The music video for “Hello Again” was directed by Andy Warhol, a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art, along with Don Munroe. Warhol’s involvement brought a unique artistic vision to the video, which features a mix of surreal and avant-garde imagery. The video includes appearances by Warhol himself, as well as various models and actors in eccentric and stylized scenes. The video was filmed at the Be-Bop Cafe in Manhattan.